Intellectual course, different culture, but worth the effort. Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/29/2012 to 06/19/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Poland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to appreciate life after seeing such horrors in Auschwitz and the ghetto. I also gained a new sense of independence after the trip. It was very much worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend it all the first week. Try spreading out all your money for the duration of the trip. Also, it was far easier to take out money at an ATM than exchanging dollars or paying with a card.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Keep the sheet of commonly used phrases handy, but it'll all be easier once you are abroad and immersed in the language and forced to use it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Tour of the ghetto with Bernard
  • Auschwitz
  • Zakopane
* What could be improved?
  • Financial difficulties. The study abroad office seemed to say one thing about when and how much the payments would be and charge something else.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wished that I knew more of the language than I knew before hand, but it was very easy and faster to learn while abroad.